Rooney Onyango is one of Wazito FC’s bright stars. The versatile 20-year old broke into the starting line up last season from National Super League side Gusii united and looks to be destined for greatness. “The goal against Kariobangi Sharks has been the best moment of my career. It was my first goal in the top flight, I was very happy.” He tells us of the best moments of his career.He rose high to head in his first premier league goal to help Wazito FC go past Kariobangi Sharks in a match played at Thika Stadium on the 6th of June 2021.But how has his journey been? He tells us that his love for football has been there since he was a little kid born in the Makongeni area of Thika. His family then moved to Mathare Area 4 where his football journey continued.Rooney Onyango… From NSL to FKF PL and he doesn’t look lost at all. Quality RB. pic.twitter.com/qwm52FtIUR— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) May 21, 2021 It is evident that he received support from his father who was an ardent Manchester United fan and even named him Rooney, after Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.His football skills would come to his aid after his KCPE in 2013 and through a well wisher, Limo Kipkemoi, he got a football scholarship in 2014 to join Passenga Secondary school in Nyandarua, one of the schools known for producing football talents in the country.”My parents were struggling and my elder brother and I were to join form 1 at the same time. My father couldn’t manage to pay school fees for the two of us and because of football, I got a scholarship.” Says the jovial defender.Rooney Onyango is some proper right back— Meshack Kisenge (@kisengemeshack1) May 31, 2021 As expected, Rooney didn’t break into the first team in Passenga Secondary immediately as the school had many good players and would even miss out on the team that won the Nationals of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association( KSSSA) in 2015.As the old adage goes, hard work pays. With hard work and the departure of some of the players, Rooney broke into the first team in 2016 as a form 3 student and helped them become champions of the central region and go through to the semi finals at the nationals where they got eliminated by Nyanza region’s Barding Secondary School.He would then face disappointment in his final year of school in 2017 after Passenga was axed from the nationals for fielding an over age player. However, there was an array of hope and joy for the young star as Thika United, then a top tier side scouted him and gave him an opportunity to join them.He would then join the Thika based side in 2018 after his secondary education but saw playtime hard to come by, coupled with poor results that saw the team relegated to the National Super League in 2018.He played for the Thika in the NSL for the first half of the season and left for Shabana Fc for the remainder of the season.”That was the lowest point of my career. I thought the journey would be smooth after school but I found out that it’s a different world. I had to adjust.” He tells us of his time after school.Rooney would then move to Zoo Youth after half a season at Shabana later to Gusii FC after Paul Mayieko, the financier of Zoo Youth, bought Sony Sugar and changed its name to Gusii FC. It is here that his star would once again shine. His hard work and work ethic turned his earlier frustrations to ultimate celebration when premier league clubs wanted to sign him.Both Wazito FC and Tusker FC were impressed with his ability after they watched him in Moi Stadium Kisumu in a match, pitting Kisumu All Stars and Gusii FC.He showed tremendous ability on the ball and was powerful and directly overlapping from the right wing.After negotiations, consultations and deliberations, he chose to join Wazito FC in January 2021.”I joined Wazito first because of coach Kimanzi and second because they assured me growth. As a player, growth was more important to me than anything else. They didn’t give me assurance of a starting position but growth.” says the defender of his decision to join the club.”Our own Rooney Onyango named among the young players to watch in East Africa.#Wazito4life https://t.co/kCnzZqsX67— Wazito Football Club (@wazitofc) September 28, 2021 Within a few weeks of hard work and dedication, coach Francis Kimanzi was impressed by the young star and gave him a chance which he took by both hands.He has been one of the first names in the team sheet and a joy to watch. Defensively, his muscular build, toughness in the tackle and turn of pace make him a tricky opponent for even Kenya’s elite wingers. Offensively, his pace and crosses makes him dangerous to the opponents and offers his team an attacking edge.Rooney is not done yet, he dreams big and looks forward to better days ahead this season and in future.”I pray for an injury free season and work harder than I did last season. Expectations are high from myself and the team. It’s my dream to represent my country with the national team and play in Europe’s top five leagues.”As Eleanor Roosevelt says, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” If he continues with his hard work and work ethic, there is surely a beautiful future for him. Sky is the limit.BIOName: Rooney OnyangoAge: 20Current club: WazitoPrevious club: Thika United, Shabana, Gusii FCPosition: Right-backFavourite food: Fish and Ugali
